Georgia LB Jones declares for NFL Draft

Jarvis Jones #29 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates after the game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Sanford Stadium on November 17, 2012 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Athens, GA (Sports Network) - Georgia All-American outside linebacker Jarvis
Jones announced Friday that he will forego his senior season and enter the
upcoming NFL Draft.

Jones, a finalist for every major national defensive award this past season,
is expected to be one of the top overall prospects of this year's class and
helped lead the Bulldogs to a 12-2 record and an appearance in the SEC
Championship Game with a brilliant junior campaign.

The 23-year-old led the FBS ranks in sacks (14.5), tackles for loss (24.5) and
forced fumbles (7) in addition to registering 85 overall stops and one
interception. Jones also set a Georgia season record for sacks after racking
up a pair in the Bulldogs' 45-31 victory over Nebraska in Tuesday's Capital
One Bowl.

Jones recorded 13 1/2 sacks and 19 1/2 tackles for loss as a sophomore in
2011, after sitting out the previous season as a transfer from the University
of Southern California. His freshman year at USC was limited to eight games by
a neck sprain.

"This has been a difficult decision, and one that I have talked over with my
family and coaches," said Jones. "I want to thank my family, teammates,
coaches and support staff and the Bulldog Nation for everything over the last
three years. I will always appreciate the chance Georgia gave me after my
injury at Southern Cal. There is nothing like the Bulldog fans and I will
forever be proud to wear the 'G'. I think this decision comes at the right
time for me and my family, and I look forward to seeing what the next level
holds for me."